The Bishop of Durham has urged people to speak up when members of a Parliamentary group tackling food poverty visit the North East next month.

Members of the All Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Hunger and Food Poverty will visit South Shields on July 4 to gather evidence into the causes and extent of hunger in Britain and what can be done to alleviate it.

Bishop Paul Butler, who is a long-time supporter of food banks and has clashed with the Government over them, said: “The group is anxious to hear from those who find themselves in food poverty and also from groups and volunteers who are working to try and help through the provision of food assistance.

“This has become a major issue for society and I urge North East people to provide evidence to the inquiry. The group is keen to meet with those who have needed food assistance and those who provide this practical support.

“This is a chance for the North East to inform national decision-making on this crucial issue.”

On July 4, the group will visit the South Tyneside Churches Together Key Project at St Mary’s Centre Tyne Dock, which provides assistance to young people and those under 25, and also the New Hope Food Bank, which is based in South Shields.